1986 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 1986 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 (133 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1986 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Alfa 6 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2630 mm |
